Best Dash Cams Under $100 – Reviews & Buying Guide 2022
In this article I will take you through the 6 best dash cams under $100 and why they will work for you.
Purchasing a cheap dashcam can be tricky. If you’re not careful, your gadget may not be remotely reliable on the road. And since a dashcam is a form of security, a subpar device can leave you hanging especially when you need it the most.
Then again, there are those bang-for-the-buck options that satisfy the budget-savvy. And after multiple tests on different models, here are our top picks for the best dash cams under $100.
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Features to consider when choosing the best dash cams under 100
Resolution
The least you should settle for is full HD resolution. After all, the point of having a dash cam is to capture video footage that could be important in case of collisions or disputes.
If you have footage and videos that people can barely make out, it might not be helpful to your case at all. We wrote a full article on the difference between 30fps, 60fps, & 4k.
There are also some cheap options that have 2 to 4K resolution, which gives you an even better picture.
Wide-angle View
Wide-angle views should be a given if you want a good dash cam. You need at least 150 degrees, but anything above that would be best if you want a clear view of the road.
Dash cams that can capture 3 or even 4 lanes of vehicles are ideal.
If you have a larger vehicle or truck, check out this review we did for the best dash cam for truckers and large vehicles.
Storage Capacity
The last thing you want to worry about is having to download your files on an external hard drive daily. The camera should be compatible with a microSD card which you can use for extra storage.
This is especially important if you drive most of the day. We did a separate review for the best dash cams for uber & lyft drivers. If you drive most of the day make sure to check out that review.
Loop Recording
This is more for convenience, but if you have a looping feature, your dash cam will automatically replace all older videos with newer, more relevant ones.
Top 6 Dash Cams Under $100 Reviews & Comparison
1. Rove R2-4K Dash Cam – Best Video Quality
The Rove R2-4K, as the name suggests, records footage in 4K Ultra HD. That means the videos have a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, unlike the usual 1080p quality you get even in mid-range models.
It also features an ultra low light sensor, which significantly illuminates details so you can still see them when it’s dark. When we tested this dashcam at night, it did a pretty good job at brightening up the details, staying true to its night vision claims.
It also has a 150-degree wide-angle lens, so your camera will catch anything crucial in case of accidents and other road situations.
Not only does it have built-in Wi-Fi, but it also has GPS. It directs you safely to your destination via the tracker on Google Maps and monitors your driving route.
Even if this model is under $100, there’s a built-in Wi-Fi function that allows you to sync it with your phone, regardless if it’s iOS or Android. Using the compatible app, you can download all the high-resolution videos to your smartphone and even share it on social media if you like.
It’s also packed with other common features that dashcams have, including parking mode, motion detection, and G-sensor protection. And to keep everything updated, Rove offers free firmware upgrades as well.
Key Features
- 4K Ultra HD recording
- 150 degree ultra-wide lens viewing angle
- Build in G sensor with automatic activation
- WIFI & GPS you can easily access your video on your smartphone
- It includes slo-mo and time-lapse video functions, giving you the ability to view any footage in greater detail.
- This dash cam supports a 128GB memory card for all your videos.
- It also has sleep mode or screensaver mode, where the camera will display your live driving speed, direction, and time.
- This budget dash cam offers voice guidance for you to easily navigate the road.
- It will automatically save a file if a collision is detected.
- You get a full 1-year warranty and great customer care service.
- It doesn’t come with the memory card.
- Screen is a bit smaller than others.
Final thoughts / Verdict
This is the best dash cam under $100. Overall the quality is great and it’s packed with features for a camera at this price point. See the full list of features by clicking the link below.
2. APEMAN Mini Dash Cam – Cheapest Dash Cam
Apeman is another popular brand when it comes to dashcams, and this particular model is one of their cheapest dash cams under $100.
However, it still provides a pretty decent performance with its full HD picture quality and super night recording. While it doesn’t have the best video quality we’ve seen during night drives, the footage is still well-lit.
This mini version is a smaller design and much more lightweight, making it easy to install. Mount with a suction cup on the windshield.
The sensitive motion detection feature and the parking monitor are useful functions as well. When your car is parked or left unattended, this dashcam will start recording when it detects suspicious activity.
Additionally, there’s a loop recording and G sensor function that automatically overwrites old existing footage with new files. As such, you don’t have to go through the hassle of clearing up old videos.
This dashcam has an easy setup as well. It only took us 2 minutes to get it up and running, and it automatically turns on every time you start your engine.
Key Features
- 24hr monitoring. It will start recording when it senses a vibration
- Loop recording. This camera can record continuously, old videos will be replaced with new videos.
- 1080P full HD
- Parking mode & G sensor technology. Will record if vibrations are felt around your car.
- This camera has an easy installation. Set the date & time, then mount the dash cam onto your windshield.
- Features an advanced low light sensor that makes night footage clearer
- You get almost a 180-degree field of view with this mini dash cam, leaving no blind spots with three-lane wide coverage.
- The 24-hour parking mode will start to record whenever a shake or vibration is detected.
- The loop function ensures you won’t lose recent footage that could be vital. Locked files won’t be deleted, though.
- It comes with everything you need for the setup.
- The cable features a 90-degree right angle connector, which might not look good in some setups.
Final thoughts / Verdict
If you are on a budget this will be a great buy for you. You will get full HD video, parking mode, loop video recording, and you can get an 32SD card for extra storage. Best of all it comes with everything you need to install. If you would like to see more information about this cheap dash cam click the button below.
3. Campark Dash Cam 4K UHD – The Best Night Vision
With 4K Ultra HD video resolution, this budget dash cam can capture high-quality imaging no matter the weather or the time of day. It also has a wide aperture that gathers light better than others at this price point, ensuring that every picture or video you get is clear.
The 170-degree wide-angle view also spans three lanes and comes with superior vision and the best field of view even when it’s dark.
Like most models, this one also has a parking mode. Even though the camera turns on and off with your car, it will start to record when it detects shocks or bumps nearby.
That means if a collision occurs, the video footage will be recorded and locked in the dash camera. The loop video recording function will not erase these crucial clips. However, note that it only records 30 seconds of video and sound when movement is detected.
As you can see, even if this dash cam is under $100, it comes with everything you need for the setup, including the windshield mount.
Key Features
- 4K Full HD night vision
- 170 degree wide view. Nothing will be missed with this range of view
- GPS chip that can accurately track your route
- Loop recording
- Superior video quality and night vision.
- Features a parking monitor and built-in G sensor that will start recording when motion is detected, capturing all critical footage in case of disputes.
- The package comes with everything you need for the setup.
- It has a built-in microphone to capture sound.
- The optimal operating temperature for this camera is from -10 degrees up to 50 degrees Celsius, which is a wide range for most countries.
- This dash cam is capable of WDR (wide dynamic range), meaning it automatically adjusts to low light and balances the exposure for clear details.
- MicroSD card not included
- Not a touch screen device
Final thoughts / Verdict
If you drive mostly at night and need a superior night vision this camera will be your best bet. You can buy or check all the product features by clicking the link below.
4. AKASO V1 WiFi Dash Cam with GPS – Great Image Quality
This budget dash cam comes with the Sony IMX323 sensor, one of the superior sensors on the market. The quality of the image is improved by allowing more natural details and richer tone.
But other than that, it boasts a great feature set as well.
First off, it has a 170-degree field of vision that captures 3 to 4 lanes of traffic at 1296P. The built-in GPS and Wi-Fi are useful features, too. Although not necessary, they make navigation much easier, compared to other dash cams which are only for surveillance.
The dash cam shuts off and turns on automatically, but the parking monitor is on 24 hours a day.
Another thing worth noting is the G-sensor. Even when your car is parked, this dash cam will record 30 seconds of video and audio when any sort of external force is detected.
In terms of storage, you have a lot of room because this dash cam can support up to 128GB microSD memory cards.
The battery life is also pretty decent in our experience. What aids this is the screen saver mode which displays only the date and time. Overall, this is a great dash cam for under $100.
Features
- The SONY IMX323 sensor provides improved image clarity
- 170 degree field of view. Captures more detail on 4 traffic lanes.
- Built in GPS which allows you to connect to Google maps and track your journey
- Supports 128GB microSD card.
- It has superior image quality. Full HD 1080p
- The WDR creates a balanced image without too much exposure or too little lighting.
- You can track your journey and record routes, speed, and coordinates.
- Can hold 24 hours of high-quality video footage if you’re using an SD card.
- The loop recording is seamless and overwrites older footage automatically.
- LCD screen is smaller than others in this price range.
- Sticker tape mount wouldn’t satisfy those who prefer a suction mount.
Final thoughts / Verdict
This is a good budget dashcam. It has good video quality and can be concealed easily due to its small size. See more pictures by clicking the link below.
5. Apexcam Full HD 1080P Dash Cam – The Largest Display
For drivers who like a larger display, this is an ideal dash cam that has a 4-inch touch screen. With this, the information on the screen will be more legible and the playback experience will be clearer as well.
You’ll see real-time display and replay functions, too. As such, you’ll have everything you need at a glance.
In terms of video quality, this product is equipped with all the necessary features a dash cam should have. It records footage in full HD, has night vision, WDR tech with 1.8 aperture, and a big LED light for a clearer picture in low light conditions.
The front camera has a wide-angle view of 170 degrees and the rear camera displays anything within the 130-degree viewing range. The rear camera is created to operate in any weather condition.
Plus, this is also a front and rear dual dash cam (more options like this here), which means it can record videos from the back of your car. This gives you an additional angle for when you need it, such as in parking.
Bus aside from the functions in this budget dash cam, we find that their customer after-care is superb, too. They have a three-year warranty and professional customer service, which does add to the overall quality of the product.
Features
- 4 inch IPS Screen
- Video Quality:1920*1080/30fps (Front) ; 720*480 (Rear)
- Built in g sensor & parking monitoring
- 170 degrees viewing angle
- This dashcam has a large 4’’ touch screen that displays all the info you need for the best visual experience.
- This front and rear dual dash cam. Large viewing angles.
- You can get a picture on the display for full coverage of whatever is going on outside your vehicle.
- Extreme temperature range of -10 degrees up to 60 degrees Celsius.
- Loop recording
- G-sensor with auto recording
- Built-in battery for emergency backup purposes.
- The wire for the rearview camera is not long enough for trucks and larger vehicles.
- Size may be too big for those who prefer a low-key dashcam.
Final thoughts / Verdict
If you prefer a big display then this might be the one for you. This made our list of best dash cam under 100 because it’s cheap and offers all the standard features you need for any best dash cam. The 4 inch display is also impressive especially at this price point. Check it out below.
6. THiEYE Safeel Zero+ Dash Cam – 360 Rotation
Wi-Fi and phone integration is something that modern dash cams must have, and that’s exactly what the THiEYE Safeel Zero+ Dash Cam offers.
But of course, we’re still big on the quality of the dash cam itself — and we’re not disappointed with what this brings to the table.
360 rotation. You can record any angle including inside or outside your car.
First off, this dash cam is discreetly designed so you don’t have a bulky gadget on your dash. It has dual cameras with full HD 1080p and HD 720p, with both cameras recording at 30 frames per second. And with 170-degrees wide-angle lens, you get a clear 3-lane view without blind spots whatsoever.
This dash cam doesn’t hold back on features as well. It has loop recording, motion detection, G-sensors, parking mode, night vision, and wide dynamic range to ensure that your videos are clear no matter the lighting conditions.
Features
- 360 rotation. Record from any angle
- 170 degree wide angle view. Can see 3-4 traffic lanes
- Full 1080p recording
- 24hr parking monitor which records when vibration is detected
- Exceptional image quality with 1080p and 720p resolution.
- It gives you a wide view of the road with its 170-degrees lens.
- It has WiFi which allows you to easily configure your settings, download your videos, and share them with others.
- Superior night vision combined with WDR ensures clear video quality, day or night.
- The G-sensors, motion detection, and parking mode work together to detect collisions or any other movement.
- It comes with an extra USB so you can charge your phone without giving up the use of the dash cam.
- Unlike most dash cams, you get a high-speed 32GB microSD card included in your purchase.
- Dashcam clock doesn’t sync with phones thru the app.
- Downloading videos takes longer than other models.
Final thoughts / Verdict
If you are looking for a small dash cam this one is for you. It’s discreet and easy to install. The 360 degree makes it easy if you want to record the inside of your car as well. Click the link below to see all the features for this budget dash cam.
Other features to consider when buying a dash cam under $100
Most dash cams will have these features but we wanted to mention them anyway. Besides the night vision, all other features are nice to have but you might not need them depending on your needs. You could also opt to purchasing a digital rear view mirror which will double as rear view mirror and dash cam. You can read more here.
Night Vision
Fortunately, when it comes to dash cams, almost all options on the market now come equipped with infrared or super night vision. Make sure the camera can record night footage successfully, especially since more accidents happen when there is low lighting.
WiFi and GPS
If your dash cam is solely used for surveillance purposes, WiFi and GPS might not be as necessary. But if you can find cheap dash cams that are equipped with WiFi and GPS, it’s a steal because these features are more common inexpensive models.
The GPS helps you with navigation, tracks your location, speed, and gives you tips on the road. The WiFi, on the other hand, allows you to sync the dash cam with your phone using the app. With this, you can download and share the content from your phone.
G-sensor and Parking Mode
The G-sensor or gravity sensor will detect any movements or changes in motion and prompt the camera to record important events.
Meanwhile, the 24-hour park mode detects any motion or vibrations around your car and will record the event. This can keep potential culprits from breaking in or harming your car.
Backup Battery
You can find a built-in battery in most models even under $100. However, a backup battery can be handy in case your car dies.
As such, you won’t lose any important footage because the backup battery will kick in once it detects no power source.
Temperature Resistance
Even budget models dash cams are tolerant to reasonable temperatures. However, if you live in a part of the country that has extreme temperate make sure to look for the range of operating temperature for your dash cam. Here is a great camera that is built for extreme temperature resistance viofo duo.
Generally, anywhere from 10 below to 50 degrees Celsius is a good range for almost anywhere. If you can’t find a camera to fit your needs, check out this page with all the dash cams we have reviewed.
FAQ’S
Will dash cam drain/kill battery?
Your dash cam will not drain your car battery. They are designed to turn on / off when your vehicle is started. If your camera has parking mode it will have a backup battery to operate while you’re gone.
What is a dual dash camera?
A dual dash cam is a camera that has one front facing camera and one rear facing camera. This records simultaneously the front and rear of your vehicle. Depending on your need you might want a dual dash cam however most people find this not necessary. Here is an example of a single dash cam.
Are dash cams worth it?
If you drive a car you have at one time or another gotten into a fender bender. With today’s technology, we believe dash cams are worth it for all drivers. We wrote an in-depth post on this specific question. Find out if dash cams are worth it.
Conclusion
With the options we’ve listed above, it’s clear that you can buy good dash cams under $100. Although they might not be the most feature-packed gadgets out there, they’ll do the job well.
A great dashcam should come with an impressive video capability plus extra features like WiFi and GPS—but it doesn’t have to cost more than $100.
Hopefully, you find one that suits your needs from our list of dash cams above. We know that there are a lot of options you can find in the market, like Rexing v1 and Pruveeo F5, which are both great dash cams as well.
Nevertheless, we’ve tried and tested all the dash cams on our list. Even if they’re pretty cheap finds, they are reliable gadgets on the road.
Worried is dashcams are legal in your state? Find out here.
Our Top Pick for Dashcam Under $100 – Rove R2-4K
After rigorous testing on multiple models, our best dash cam under 100 is Rove R2-4k. It provides Ultra HD recording at 3840 x 2160 pixels, night vision, voice guidance, screensaver mode, memory card support, G-sensor, and Wi-Fi.
Being able to meet the necessities and extra features needed in a dash cam, the Rove R2-4k is the best you can get for the price of less than a hundred dollars.
If you want, you can always increase the level of protection you have with highly recommended backup cameras. However, if you’re restrained in terms of budget, this dashcam would suffice.
William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.
